Angami community leads the way towards accessible tourism

Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio inaugurating the Angami Morung at the Heritage Village, Kisama constructed by the Angami Public Organisation (APO), which has been renovated and redesigned to make it accessible for people with disabilities. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 25 

Nineteen years since the Hornbill Festival was organised in 2000 by the State Government to promote tourism and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Nagas, the Angami community has led the way towards ‘accessible tourism.’ 

Accessible tourism as explained is an endeavour to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age. It enables people with access requirements, including mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive dimensions of access, to function independently and with equity and dignity through the delivery of universally designed tourism products, services and environments.

The Angami Morung at the Heritage Village, Kisama constructed by the Angami Public Organisation (APO) has been renovated and redesigned making it accessible for people with disabilities. The pavement from the road to the Morung has been smoothened and its toilet has been constructed to make it accessible.

Though its incomplete, it was informed that ramp to the Morung will be constructed before the festival starts. This is the first ever initiative undertaken by any community ever since the Hornbill Festival started 19 years ago.

Talking to mediapersons on the sideline of the inauguration of the Angami Morung at Kisama this evening, Nagaland Disability Commissioner, Diethono Nakhro expressed deep appreciation to the APO and the Chief Minister’s office for responding to the need of accessible tourism.

Stating that Nagaland is missing out hugely on accessible tourism, she requested the department and other communities at the Heritage Village to reconstruct their Morungs in such a way that it is accessible to all people.

Nakhro said that there have been lots of changes in the state in the past few months, where people are more aware and sensitive to the needs and rights of people with disabilities. 

She appreciated the response and efforts of everyone involved in the construction of the Angami Morung adding that PWDs will have something to witness and relish this festival.

Inaugurating the Angami Morung, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio reminded that the Hornbill Festival was organised to promote, protect and preserve the rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions of the Nagas.

Kisama is the place where all the tribes of Nagas exhibit their respective traditional and cultural heritage attracting tourists from all over the world, and reminded that every tribe must continue to promote and uphold their identity in their respective morungs.

Rio underlined the need to make Kisama a better place for all those who come to visit and urged upon all the tribes to make the efforts to construct their Morungs better and attractive keeping in mind the authenticity of their respective tribal characters and identity.

Pronouncing the elderly blessings, Neisa –Thol prayed “Bless Nagaland and its people with good health and long life. Let there be peace, unity and harmony among all the tribes of Nagaland.”

The Angami Morung was designed and constructed by Neingusalie Talie, and blessed by Rev. Keviyiekielie Linyü.